Building a Life on Christ: Foundations of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the dedication of baby Asher and to reflect on the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation. As we conclude our "Who is Jesus? Rabbi Teacher" series, we are reminded of the critical role that our upbringing and early influences play in shaping our spiritual journey. Reflecting on my own childhood, I realized how my parents laid the groundwork for my faith by ensuring I attended church and learned about God. However, as we grow older, the responsibility to build our lives on Jesus becomes our own.
We explored Jesus' words from Luke 6:46-49, where He emphasizes the importance of not just hearing His words but putting them into practice. Jesus uses the parable of the wise and foolish builders to illustrate the difference between those who build their lives on His teachings and those who do not. The wise builder, who digs deep and lays his foundation on the rock, represents those who hear and obey Jesus' words. In contrast, the foolish builder, who builds on the ground without a foundation, symbolizes those who hear but do not act on His teachings.
The storms of life will inevitably come, testing the stability of our foundations. Whether we face medical, family, or career storms, our response reveals whether we have built our lives on Christ or on something else. Jesus calls us to be more than admirers; He calls us to be disciples who live out His teachings. This requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, even when it is challenging.
As we reflect on our own lives, we must ask ourselves: Is Jesus truly the Lord of our lives? Are we building our foundations on Him, or are we relying on worldly things? The call to obey God's Word is not just a suggestion but a necessity for a life that can withstand the storms. Let us commit to making Jesus the cornerstone of our lives and to living out His teachings with obedience and faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of a Solid Foundation: Our early influences, such as our parents and church, play a crucial role in laying the groundwork for our faith. However, as we grow older, the responsibility to build our lives on Jesus becomes our own. We must decide whether to build our lives on Jesus or on something else. [45:21]
2. Hearing and Obeying Jesus' Words: Jesus emphasizes the importance of not just hearing His words but putting them into practice. The wise builder, who digs deep and lays his foundation on the rock, represents those who hear and obey Jesus' words. In contrast, the foolish builder symbolizes those who hear but do not act on His teachings. [48:21]
3. The Inevitable Storms of Life: The storms of life will inevitably come, testing the stability of our foundations. Whether we face medical, family, or career storms, our response reveals whether we have built our lives on Christ or on something else. Our foundation in Christ provides the stability and strength needed to withstand these storms. [01:02:00]
4. The Call to Discipleship: Jesus calls us to be more than admirers; He calls us to be disciples who live out His teachings. This requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, even when it is challenging. Obedience to Jesus' words is a necessity for a life that can withstand the storms. [01:11:20]
5. Reflecting on Our Foundations: We must continually reflect on our own lives and ask ourselves: Is Jesus truly the Lord of our lives? Are we building our foundations on Him, or are we relying on worldly things? The call to obey God's Word is not just a suggestion but a necessity for a life that can withstand the storms. [01:14:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:07] - Introduction and Baby Dedication
[43:52] - Reflecting on Childhood and Early Influences
[45:21] - The Role of Parents in Laying a Foundation
[46:06] - Reflecting on Life's Storms
[47:33] - Jesus' Words: Obey God's Word
[48:21] - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
[49:05] - Jesus' Audience and the Sermon on the Mount
[50:31] - Is Jesus Lord of Your Life?
[53:07] - Building Our Lives on What We Value
[56:04] - Knowledge vs. Obedience
[58:23] - The Parable's Spiritual Lesson
[01:00:14] - Wisdom and Foolishness in Life's Storms
[01:02:00] - The Inevitability of Life's Storms
[01:05:16] - Personal Testimony of a Life Storm
[01:09:03] - The Church of Laodicea and Worldly Knowledge
[01:11:20] - The Call to Discipleship
[01:14:51] - Reflecting on Our Foundations
[01:16:13] - Closing Prayer and Invitation for Prayer Requests
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Luke 6:46-49 (NIV): "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the two types of builders described in Luke 6:46-49, and what distinguishes them from each other?
2. According to the sermon, what role do early influences, such as parents and church, play in laying the groundwork for our faith? [44:32]
3. What does Jesus say about those who call Him "Lord, Lord" but do not do what He says? [51:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the storms of life, and what do they reveal about our foundations? [01:02:00]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of not just hearing His words but putting them into practice? [48:21]
2. How does the parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrate the difference between mere admiration of Jesus and true discipleship? [49:05]
3. What does it mean to build your life on the rock, according to the sermon? How does this provide stability during life's storms? [01:00:14]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, why might some Christians struggle to obey God's Word consistently? [01:07:03]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Is Jesus truly the Lord of your life, or is He just Lord when it's convenient for you? How can you make Him the cornerstone of your daily decisions? [51:09]
2. Think about a recent storm you faced. How did you respond, and what did it reveal about the foundation of your life? What changes can you make to ensure your foundation is on Christ? [01:02:00]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of denying ourselves and taking up our cross to follow Jesus. What is one specific area in your life where you need to deny yourself and follow Him more closely? [01:11:20]
4. Are there any worldly things you are currently relying on instead of Jesus? Identify one and discuss how you can shift your reliance to Christ this week. [01:10:47]
5. How can you actively put Jesus' teachings into practice in your daily life? Share one practical step you will take this week to obey His Word. [48:21]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of community and being examples for others. How can you be a better example of a disciple of Christ in your family or church community? [44:32]
7. Reflect on the question posed in the sermon: "What kind of foundation are you building your life on?" What steps can you take to strengthen your foundation in Christ? [01:11:57]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Role of Early Influences in Faith Formation
Our early influences, such as our parents and church, play a crucial role in laying the groundwork for our faith. However, as we grow older, the responsibility to build our lives on Jesus becomes our own. We must decide whether to build our lives on Jesus or on something else. [45:21]
Reflecting on our childhood, we often see how our parents and early church experiences laid the foundation for our faith. These early influences are vital in shaping our initial understanding of God and His teachings. However, as we mature, the responsibility to continue building on that foundation shifts to us. We must actively choose to deepen our relationship with Jesus and make Him the cornerstone of our lives. This transition from relying on our parents' faith to owning our own faith journey is a critical step in our spiritual growth.
As we navigate through life, we encounter various challenges and decisions that test the strength of our foundation. It is during these times that we must evaluate whether we are truly building our lives on Jesus or on worldly things. The choice to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment. By continually choosing to build our lives on the solid rock of Christ, we ensure that our faith remains strong and unshakable, even in the face of life's storms.
Bible Passage:
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about the early influences in your life that shaped your faith. How can you take personal responsibility today to build on that foundation and deepen your relationship with Jesus?
### Day 2: The Necessity of Obedience to Jesus' Words
Jesus emphasizes the importance of not just hearing His words but putting them into practice. The wise builder, who digs deep and lays his foundation on the rock, represents those who hear and obey Jesus' words. In contrast, the foolish builder symbolizes those who hear but do not act on His teachings. [48:21]
In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus presents the parable of the wise and foolish builders to illustrate the critical difference between merely hearing His words and actively obeying them. The wise builder, who digs deep and lays his foundation on the rock, represents those who not only listen to Jesus' teachings but also put them into practice. This obedience to Jesus' words provides a solid foundation that can withstand the storms of life. On the other hand, the foolish builder, who builds on the ground without a foundation, symbolizes those who hear but do not act on His teachings. Their lack of obedience results in a weak foundation that crumbles under pressure.
Obedience to Jesus' words is not optional for those who desire a strong and resilient faith. It requires intentional effort and commitment to live out His teachings in our daily lives. This means making choices that align with His will, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural. By consistently obeying Jesus' words, we build a foundation that is secure and unshakable, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace.
Bible Passage:
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." (James 1:22-23, ESV)
Reflection:
Consider an area of your life where you have been hearing Jesus' words but not fully obeying them. What steps can you take today to put His teachings into practice and strengthen your foundation?
### Day 3: The Stability of a Christ-Centered Foundation
The storms of life will inevitably come, testing the stability of our foundations. Whether we face medical, family, or career storms, our response reveals whether we have built our lives on Christ or on something else. Our foundation in Christ provides the stability and strength needed to withstand these storms. [01:02:00]
Life is full of unexpected challenges and trials that test the strength of our foundations. These storms can come in various forms, such as health issues, family conflicts, or career setbacks. How we respond to these challenges reveals the true nature of our foundation. If we have built our lives on Christ, we will find the stability and strength needed to endure and overcome these storms. However, if our foundation is built on worldly things, it will quickly crumble under pressure.
Building a Christ-centered foundation involves more than just attending church or reading the Bible occasionally. It requires a deep and personal relationship with Jesus, rooted in trust and obedience. When we prioritize our relationship with Him and align our lives with His teachings, we create a foundation that is unshakable. This foundation provides us with the resilience and peace needed to navigate life's storms, knowing that we are anchored in the unwavering love and strength of Christ.
Bible Passage:
"The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock." (Matthew 7:25, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How did your foundation in Christ help you navigate through it? If your foundation felt shaky, what changes can you make to strengthen it?
### Day 4: The Call to True Discipleship
Jesus calls us to be more than admirers; He calls us to be disciples who live out His teachings. This requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, even when it is challenging. Obedience to Jesus' words is a necessity for a life that can withstand the storms. [01:11:20]
Being a disciple of Jesus goes beyond merely admiring His teachings or acknowledging His greatness. True discipleship involves a deep commitment to living out His teachings in every aspect of our lives. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. This level of commitment requires us to prioritize His will above our own desires and to make sacrifices for the sake of His kingdom.
Obedience to Jesus' words is not just a suggestion but a necessity for those who desire to be His disciples. It involves a daily decision to align our actions, thoughts, and attitudes with His teachings. This obedience provides the foundation needed to withstand the storms of life and to grow in our relationship with Him. By embracing the call to true discipleship, we experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises and become a living testimony of His love and grace to the world.
Bible Passage:
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify one area of your life where following Jesus feels particularly challenging. What steps can you take today to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him more faithfully?
### Day 5: Reflecting on Our Foundations
We must continually reflect on our own lives and ask ourselves: Is Jesus truly the Lord of our lives? Are we building our foundations on Him, or are we relying on worldly things? The call to obey God's Word is not just a suggestion but a necessity for a life that can withstand the storms. [01:14:51]
Self-reflection is a vital practice for anyone seeking to grow in their faith. It involves regularly examining our lives to determine whether Jesus is truly the Lord of our lives and whether we are building our foundations on Him. This process requires honesty and humility as we assess our priorities, actions, and attitudes. Are we relying on worldly things for our security and identity, or are we fully trusting in Jesus and His teachings?
The call to obey God's Word is not just a suggestion but a necessity for a life that can withstand the storms. By continually reflecting on our foundations, we can identify areas where we need to realign our lives with His will. This ongoing process of self-examination and adjustment helps us to maintain a strong and resilient faith, rooted in the unchanging truth of God's Word. As we commit to making Jesus the cornerstone of our lives, we experience the stability and peace that comes from living in alignment with His will.
Bible Passage:
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection:
Take some time today to reflect on your life. Is Jesus truly the Lord of your life? Are there areas where you are relying on worldly things instead of building your foundation on Him? What changes can you make to ensure that your life is fully aligned with His teachings?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We must decide whether we're going to build our lives on Jesus or are we going to build them on something else?" [45:21] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Are we building our lives with him as our chief cornerstone? Or are we relying on ourselves? Or are we relying on ourselves in the world?" [46:52] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The most important thing in our life should be our relationship with Jesus and obeying what he tells us to do. You know, how you answer this question is, is really what you're building your foundation on." [54:03] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The spiritual truth here is if you build on the rock, Jesus, by practicing and obeying what he says, you will be protected when the storms of life come." [01:00:14] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Storms of life will come regardless of our foundations. They're going to come regardless of our foundations. You know, we've all gone through a storm, right? You know, we've all come out of a storm probably, right? Maybe some of us are currently in one of life's storms." [01:02:00] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "You know, the older we get, the responsibility of what we build our foundations on relies solely on us. We must decide whether we're going to build our lives on Jesus or are we going to build them on something else?" [45:21] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know, Jesus points out that his disciples, they were quick to call him Lord. You know, they said, Lord, Lord. You know, the repetition, it kind of gives like an emotional weight behind it. It's like they were crying out, Lord, Lord, we're committed to you. Or Lord, Lord, we are all yours. You know, what Jesus is doing is is making the point that if he is number one in their lives, why aren't they doing what he says to do? They say they believe, but they're really not acting like it. Really, that's hypocritical." [51:09] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You know, an admirer of Jesus, they know the Word, but they don't apply it to their lives. Or they choose not to apply it to their life. A disciple of Jesus, they know the Word, and they apply it to their life." [56:04] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You know, the Bible wasn't meant to merely be studied and memorized. It was meant to be believed and obeyed. And Jesus points to this in the book of Matthew when he's getting ready to leave his disciples with their final instructions in the Great Commission." [57:37] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You know, if we claim to be disciples, we need to be all in for Jesus. And that includes being obedient to his word. You know, this brought up a question, you know, in myself. Why don't Christians obey the word? Why don't we obey Jesus' words? Is it just our sheer disobedience? Is it the thought that, well, I can't have fun if I follow the word, right?" [01:06:15] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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